Graphic Design

This is a Connected Degree
Portsmouth is the only University in the UK with the flexibility to choose when to do an optional paid placement or self-employed year. Either take a placement in your third year, or finish your studies first and complete a placement in your fourth year. You can decide if and when to take a placement after you've started your course.

Overview

On this BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree, you’ll develop your own visual style, with an emphasis on developing your confidence applying digital and traditional design skills. We have an exceptional list of professional connections gained from our industry-active, research-led teaching staff.

With opportunities to specialise in your area of interest and win awards from prestigious graphic design bodies, you’ll build an inspiring design profile that no employer can resist.

Graphic design is a cornerstone of many industries, so you'll have lots of career options after graduation. If you want to start in web design, advertising, branding, and other media, or advance to a Master's: now is your time to explore.

Course highlights


• Show your Adobe expertise to industry peers by gaining an Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) qualification



• Hone vital design techniques – including screen printing, letterpress, laser cutting and dye sublimation printing – using our specialist facilities



• Get your talent recognised by entering international competitions by renowned organisation Design and Art Direction (D&AD), the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufacture and Commerce (RSA), and the South West Digital Design Awards (SWDDA)



• Elevate your professional profile by becoming a member of the esteemed International Society of Typographic Designers (iSTD)



• Impress future employers by showcasing your work at our annual Graduate Show



• Experience the graphic design profession by taking a one-year placement – either with a company or by setting up your own



• Connect with companies and communities by taking part in events like the Dyson Challenge Week



Careers and opportunities

With the skills and knowledge you gain from this course, you can work across a variety of creative industries. In 15 months after graduating, 90% of Graphic Design graduates have already started work or are pursuing further studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019), so you'll be in excellent company.

Areas you could work in include magazine design publishing, branding and design, advertising, web design, and TV and film. You could also set up your own business, work as a freelancer, or go on to postgraduate study.

Graduate destinations

Companies and studios our graduates have worked at include:


• Why Not Associates



• Aardman Digital



• The Light Surgeons



• Fitch



- 4IV


• Rubrik



• FHM Magazine



• Graduate startups



Some businesses our graduates have started up include:


• Territory Studio



• Bright Agency



• Debut Art



• Strong Island



• MWM Creative



• Lethal Creative Studio



- iLoveDust


Ongoing careers support

Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.

Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.

Portsmouth offers accommodation to all Clearing applicants who accept an offer within 24 hours and apply for a room in halls by 19 August (terms and conditions apply).

By signing up for Priority Clearing, you can receive accommodation information straight to your inbox, along with exclusive access to Portsmouth’s Clearing Visit Day on Thursday 6 August. Priority Clearing applicants benefit from queue-jump status on Results Day, as well as exclusive updates, invitations to Clearing Webinars and personalised one-to-one application support.

The Clearing Visit Day offers you the chance to experience Portsmouth’s welcoming campus and vibrant student community first-hand before you enrol. With guaranteed accommodation, you can feel reassured that you’ll be at the heart of university life from day one.